Some Beginning Thoughts

The first round of games is over and there were few surprises in my opinion. Some comments on my predicted top 6 and other selected teams -


Manchester United

I expect a mediocre season from them for two reasons – Ronaldo will play without putting in the heart and soul we saw him do last season, and the loss of Carlos Quieroz. The need for an out-and-out forward never seem more obvious in a toothless performance against a resurgent Newcastle side. Look out for Fletcher this season as I see him getting more games and making his mark finally as a vastly improved player.

Prediction: 3rd



Arsenal

Of the big four, I once again see Arsenal as the one which would most probably end up the worst. A fourth place finish this season would be a real achievement with the players they have. They really should open themselves for sale so as to free up some funds they desperately need to add some experience to a gutsy but lacking side. Those sorry Gunner fans…

Prediction: 4th or 5th



Liverpool

They may have seemed average against Sunderland, but I think credit has to be given to Keane and the Sunderland side he has put together. If Benitez learns his lesson on rotation, Liverpool would actually have a fantastic chance of challenging for the title this season. Always spending big on overvalued quality, this season was no different as they splashed 20mil on Keane (which I think is a good buy) and Benitez’s annoyance at the board’s lack of support in his chase for Barry (which I see as an absolute waste of money). If Keane and Torres can put together a working partnership, there will be little anyone in the League can do to stop them and finally put some value to the big money transfers.

Prediction: 1st or 2nd



Chelsea

What else to say about Scolari? Many have doubted his credentials when at club level but I tell you now he will bring attacking football that Abramovic has been looking for and Chelsea will produce the goods, IF he is able to keep the massive egos in the team in check. Deco is a brilliant buy and I see him as possibly being the key player this season for Chelsea, unless the other “indian-chiefs” have something to say about that (aka Frank Laanpah and the other mupps).

Prediction: 1st or 2nd



Tottenham

Well well money can’t buy success, or can it. The biggest spenders saw defeat at Teeside and look to let their fans down again, despite spending. I however think they can make a challenge for 4th place this season when Ramos gets it right within a month. The crucial factor here is who they will purchase to replace the impending departure of Berbatov.

Prediction: 4th or 5th



Aston Villa

Martin O’Neil did wonders last season with a paper thin squad and I see him performing miracles again this time round. The impressive duo of Agblonlahor and Young will continue to torment defences with their pace, and if they manage to stay fit, could carry the Villains all the way to Europe on their shoulders.

Prediction: 6th



Possible surprises this season include a resilient Sunderland and Newcastle. Whether the blue side of Manchester sees success this season is entirely dependent on the issues their owner faces in this part of the world. Stoke looks to do a Derby; while Wigan should join them with WBA, Hull and possibly Blackburn, Bolton and Fulham vying for the final relegation spot.